The Muslim Council of Elders' booth at the Cairo International Book Fair 2024 presents the book "Attaining the Objectives in the Introduction to the Science of Fundamentals of Jurisprudence," authored by Sheikh Muhammad Hassanein Makhlouf, one of the most prominent scholars of Al-Azhar. The book delves into issues related to ijtihad and various aspects of the fundamentals of jurisprudence and is part of the publications of the Muslim Council of Elders.
The author emphasizes that the science of the fundamentals of jurisprudence is the foundation of the jurist, among the greatest and most beneficial Islamic sciences. It allows for a comprehensive examination of religious evidence, be it from the Quran, Sunnah, consensus, or analogy, to derive legal rulings and obligations. It serves as a safeguard for the jurist's mind against errors in deducing detailed legal judgments and as the foundation for scholars adhering to the doctrines of their imams during debates to ensure the correction of each imam's doctrine and the establishment of its foundations on sound principles and valid methodologies.
The book also asserts that absolute ijtihad involves the jurist exerting his full capacity to examine religious evidence and explore jurisprudential sources to acquire knowledge of religious rulings. It notes that despite the scarcity of opportunities for ijtihad in the present era and even in past eras, it remains a feasible and desirable task. The function of ijtihad in jurisprudence is considered among the greatest religious positions, urged by the Sharia to be carried out in every age. Scholars and jurists have stated that ijtihad is sometimes obligatory as sufficiency, sometimes obligatory as an individual duty, and sometimes recommended.
The book further highlights that only those with special insight can engage in ijtihad, delving into Arabic sciences, jurisprudential fundamentals, and religious sources. These sciences become a domain for the jurist to extract legal rulings from their religious sources and established principles. The mastery of this domain is solidified through continuous practice, frequent engagement with scholars, extensive reading of books, and deepening one's knowledge of Quranic and Sunnah sciences. The book points out that the realization and maturation of this mastery differ among mujtahids based on their circumstances and varying levels of preparation. In essence, ijtihad in religion is a special talent and an inherited knowledge that Allah grants to whomever He wills. The book also encompasses several important scientific discussions, including the role of the fundamentals of jurisprudence.
The Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair features a diverse collection of publications, along with a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of peace and mutual coexistence among all humanity.
The pavilion is located alongside the Al-Azhar pavilion in Hall 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Conference Center in the Fifth Settlement in Cairo.
